Charlie Polinger’s psychological thriller The Plague explores the world of social hierarchy amongst pre-teens at a water polo camp in 2003. It focuses on Ben (Everett Blunck) a 12 year old boy who is torn between joining a popular social circle that bullies Eli, a campmate who has been shamed due to his skin condition dubbed as ‘the plague’, or to befriend him where he will cast himself into social-discard.
The movie delves into the real issue of bullying culture and the harrowing levels of isolation and vulnerability that pre-adolescents face when growing up. It presents these issues in a striking and almost horror-like style, where the opening scene hints at an ominous presence in the pool with the teens, but the ominousness turns out to be the teens themselves as the film moves on.
It explores the easy manipulation of a teenage boy’s mindset and behaviours when facing pressure to remain cool within a friend group, where a popularity or social status is often measured through the actions of bullying, discrimination and violence towards targetable peers.
The Plague creates an eerie atmosphere throughout with its immersive cinematography to sharp sound effects and excellent performances, highlighting the brutality of social hierarchy amongst young boys in an effective yet haunting manner.
There is also a range of new and notable talent showcased through the incredibly realistic acting of Everett Blunck, Kayo Martin and Kenny Rasmussen amongst many others, as well as a great portrayal from Joel Edgerton as the nice but incompetent coach.
Overall, Polinger’s directorial debut paints an accurate and hard-hitting portrait of the toxic adolescent climate in a modern manner, where it informs how bullying is still a significant and damaging issue that can induce heavy psychological tolls on teenagers.
Featured image credit: The Hollywood Reporter
Third year journalism student at Stirling University
